CCIA Supports Risch-Udall Amendment To Patent Reform Bill

BY CCIA Staff

March 7, 2011

The Computer & Communications Industry Association has sent a letter to Senators Monday morning, asking them to support an amendment to promote real reform in S. 23, which is up for a vote. CCIA is concerned that current provisions in the patent bill make it difficult for the Patent and Trademark Office to reexamine low quality patents, leaving costly litigation as the only choice.

The following comments can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:

“While we appreciate some of the fixes in the manager’s amendment striking controversial litigation provisions, the patent reform bill does not address some of the real roadblocks to innovation and in some instances makes the current situation even worse for the tech industry.

“We hope to see additional improvements before the bill becomes law. The Risch-Udall amendment strikes harmful changes in S. 23, which would restrict the ability of the PTO to reexamine low quality patents. This leaves costly litigation as the only solution to low quality patents. Low quality patents weaken the entire system and serve as a roadblock to real innovation and the jobs that come with it.

“There is widespread support within the tech industry for the Risch-Udall amendment and we are optimistic that Senators understand this amendment benefits innovation and will support it.”

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